Some thoughts on Biblical eldership

At our retreat two weeks back the elders did a great deal of work unpacking what it means to be an elder. We know there are passages in the bible defining eldership and we spend many hours debating and reflecting on what the Bible says. It's pretty serious stuff, the scriptural requirements of an elder are not easy to live up to. Thankfully we're under Jesus grace! There are some specific characteristics/gifts/abilties/duties that elders are required to have...



...and so here is some of what we came up with in a very bulleted version:

What does the Bible say about elders?

Character

1.       Above reproach

2.       One wife

3.       Sober minded

4.       Strong steadfast faith

5.       Not a heavy drinker

6.       Manages home well

7.       Able to teach

8.       Gentle

9.       Believing children

10.   Submissive children

11.   Not a gossip

12.   Not be arrogant

13.   Not quick tempered

14.   Not drunkard

15.   Not violent

16.   Not greedy

17.   Hospitable

18.   Lover of good

19.   Self disciplined

20.   Upright

21.   Holy

22.   Well thought of by outsiders

23.   Sound doctrine

24.   Dedicated

25.   Willing

26.   Just

27.   Devoted

28.   Spirit filled

29.   An example to the church

30.   Desirous to be an elder

Activities elder needs to do:

1.       Lay hands on people for infilling of the Spirit

2.       Rule the church

3.       Teach doctrine

4.       Steward the things under their care

5.       Rebuke

6.       Instruct in doctrine

7.       Encourage

8.       Pray

9.       Anoint

10.   Shepherd

11.   Oversee

12.   Be an example to the flock

13.   Ministry of the word

14.   Prophecy (if appropriately gifted)

15.   Preach (if appropriately gifted)

What Spiritual gifts and abilities should an elder have?

1.       Faith

2.       Leadership

3.       Wisdom

4.       Shepherding

5.       Teaching

6.       Discernment

7.       Encouragement

An elder needs to have a capability to fulfil three areas of ministry that are biblically defined. An elder may have different capacities for each of these ministries but they need to be competent in all three areas:

1.       Leadership – elders need to be able to lead God’s people this includes making decisions, ruling, overseeing, shepherding, stewarding, rebuking and encouraging the flock under their care and being an example to the flock

2.       Word – an elder must be able to instruct and soundly teach the doctrines of orthodox Christian faith, where the elder is appropriately gifted and equipped, prophecy and preaching would also be part of the ministry of the word

3.       Ministry – elders are responsible for praying for the church. They would also minister through the laying on of hands, anointing with oil for healing, encouraging the faithful to walk firm and encouraging the lazy and lukewarm to follow Christ with passion